A quarter of patients who are diagnosed with oral cancer do not frequently partake in risky behaviors associated with the disease. While many don’t regard their regular dental checkup to be crucial to their health, in certain situations, it could save your life! Having your teeth cleaned is only a portion of your dental visits. Your dentist examines your mouth for abnormalities and changes even if you aren’t aware that they’re happening. Preventive dentistry may be a key to living a long, healthy life.
Why Are Oral Cancer Screening Important?
During your regular dental visit, your dentist checks for abnormalities in and around your mouth, including your neck. Abnormalities and changes in tissue can indicate underlying issues.
Many dentists offer additional screening using medical devices. With a special light, these screening devices can illuminate mouth tissue and aid in discovering cancerous and precancerous cells in your mouth. They are great tools for early detection of oral cancer.
If your dentist does not have additional screening devices, they may be able to recommend someone who does. Ask your dentist for more information.
What Are the Risk Factors for Oral Cancer?
Certain behaviors and other factors are known to be associated with oral cancer. Some of these include:
- Smoking
- Chewing tobacco
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Excessive sun exposure to lips
Seeing your dentist regularly, especially if you are at higher risk, could be imperative to your health. Keep in mind that over 25% of people diagnosed with oral cancer are not associated with any of the risk factors, so it’s important to get screened regardless of any activities you’ve participated in!
What Are the Symptoms?
While not always associated with oral cancer, certain symptoms should prompt a visit to your dentist. They could be caused by a greater issue. A few symptoms you should look out for are:
- Frequent sore throats
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Changes in the shape, size, or color of skin pigmentation in the mouth.
Like any other serious diseases, an early diagnosis is crucial to a full recovery. There is much more to your dental visits than keeping your teeth clean. A dentist’s ability to catch early signs of oral cancer, such as melanoma, could save your life!
About the Author
Dr. Karl Arakelian is a general dentist with nearly 30 years of experience. He currently practices in Haverhill, MA. He provides dental care in a friendly, comfortable environment that caters to families and patients of all ages. Dr. Arakelian emphasizes the importance of preventive dentistry, as it could save your life. For more information, visit his website or call (978) 373-0901.
